Flying Carpet (1987) – Board Game Guys

Flying Carpet

“Flying Carpet” is a board game published by Ravensburger in 1987. It is a card-playing race game where players maneuver their flying carpets between clouds while avoiding obstacles placed by other players. The game was nominated for the Spiel Des Jahres, a prestigious German board game award.

Why is Flying Carpet Popular?

“Flying Carpet” is a popular game because it combines the themes of flying carpets and strategy, making it an engaging and entertaining experience for players. The game is significant because it was released in 1987, a time when there were not many similar games available, and it introduced some innovative ideas for its era.

Game Components of Flying Carpet

Wind Cards: Determine the movement of the Flying Carpet.

Direction Tiles: Used to add or adjust movement.

Flying Carpets: Each player has one.

Obstacle Cards: Include land and cloud obstacles.

Wind Zones: Blue sections on the board affecting movement.

Star Spaces: Special spaces with additional actions.

Dice: Used for rolling on star spaces.

How To Setup Flying Carpet

To setup the game, each player chooses a Flying Carpet and places it on the start space at the bottom left corner of the board. Each player is given five Direction Tiles. The Wind Cards are shuffled, and each player draws a hand. The first player is chosen, and play proceeds clockwise.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Movement: Players play Wind Cards to determine their Flying Carpet’s movement, following the arrows indicated on the card.

Direction Tiles: Can be used to add or reduce movement.

Wind Zones: Affect movement when a Flying Carpet enters a blue zone.

Star Spaces: Allow players to roll a die and perform special actions.

Obstacles: Players must avoid moving through obstacle cards.

Landing on Other Players: Options include blockading or forcing the other player’s Flying Carpet to land.

Objective: The goal is to be the first player to land exactly on the finish space.

Player Experience

Flying Carpet offers a dynamic and strategic gameplay experience, particularly as the game progresses and planning becomes crucial. The early stages are relatively straightforward, but as players approach the finish, precise movement and strategic use of Direction Tiles become essential. The game’s creative mechanics, such as Wind Zones and Star Spaces, add a layer of excitement and unpredictability.

Pros

Creative Mechanics: Innovative for its time, with unique features like Wind Zones and Star Spaces.

Strategic Depth: Requires planning and strategic thinking towards the end of the game.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 12 and above, making it a great family game.

Short Playtime: Games typically last around 20 minutes.

Cons

Zigzag Movement Restriction: Can make some moves feel restrictive.

Luck Factor: Rolling dice on Star Spaces introduces an element of luck.

Not Original by Today’s Standards: While innovative in 1987, the game may not stand out as much compared to modern board games.

Personal Thoughts on Flying Carpet

Flying Carpet is an excellent choice for families or groups of friends looking for a light-hearted yet strategically engaging game. It’s particularly suited for those who enjoy games with a mix of luck and strategy. While it may not be as complex or original by today’s gaming standards, it still offers a fun and challenging experience that was well ahead of its time in 1987.

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